Concerns about Vice President Harris’s appeal to voters in key battleground states are evident among Democrats, despite their united support for her candidacy following President Biden’s withdrawal.
The excitement surrounding Harris is palpable, with many viewing her as a huge improvement over Biden. Numerous Democrats have endorsed Harris, with polls reflecting increased enthusiasm and political donations, fostering hope that the party’s base and young voters will turn out.
However, doubts linger about Harris’s strength in crucial northern states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, which are vital for an Electoral College victory. “She’s done a great job uniting and energizing the base, but the real question is whether she can appeal to the voters we need to win,” a Democratic strategist noted.
Harris taking selfie with her supporters
Polling by Emerson College and The Hill shows Harris trailing Trump in Pennsylvania and Michigan, but tied in Wisconsin. Winning these states is essential, as past elections have shown Democrats can lose the presidency despite winning the popular vote.
GOP strategists believe Harris may struggle with swing voters in the “blue wall” states. “There’s a major difference between Biden’s Scranton roots and Harris’s San Francisco profile,” commented Kevin Madden, a Republican strategist.
Some key Democratic donors express concerns about Harris’s ability to win over blue-collar white voters, a challenge that had some advocating for an open convention before Biden’s exit. Despite these concerns, Harris’s campaign has had a strong start, though her narrative needs to attract moderate and independent voters.
Matt Gorman, a Republican operative, highlighted the need for Harris to prove she can win over Biden’s share of white men while maintaining her appeal to minority voters. In the next 100 days, Harris must solidify her message and connect with these crucial voters to secure a win in November.
“Even in this short period, she has time to redefine herself and reach voters,” said Democratic strategist Rodell Mollineau. Harris plans to increase her presence in battleground states, with campaign surrogates also supporting her efforts.
Her recent appearance in Milwaukee drew a crowd of over 3,500, the largest campaign event so far. Campaign aides emphasize Harris’s strong labor history and her focus on reproductive rights, which are expected to resonate in key states.
In a memo, campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon highlighted Harris’s efforts to build on the 2020 coalition, contrasting it with Trump’s lack of expanded support. Despite the excitement, some Democrats draw parallels to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, emphasizing the importance of addressing voter discontent to avoid a repeat of that loss.
“We’ve learned from 2016,” Mollineau said. “Harris needs to win most, not all, of these voters in the next 100 days to ensure victory on Election Day.”
